Unravel the Cultural Tapestry of Sri Lanka on a Fascinating Tour that Concludes with an Indulgent, Astounding Stay in Dubai.

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The Experience

Searching for a completely novel holiday, filled with enthralling new experiences? Why not try a fascinating tour of Sri Lanka, followed by a stay in the midst of Dubai’s extravaganza.
Start your holiday with a tour of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka was ruled by kings for over two thousand years, a time when Buddhism flourished and became the island's dominant religion. In the beginning of the 16th century parts of Sri Lanka were conquered by the Portuguese and Dutch, before it became a British colony. Sri Lanka eventually gained independent after peaceful negotiations with the British in 1948. The many different rulers and influences have created a rich cultural tapestry - yours to discover on the Sri Lanka Kaleidoscope Tour. You will visit historic and beautiful cities of Habarana, Polonnaruwa and Sirigiya, the vibrant and exotic city of Kandy, the scenic hills of Nuwara Eliya and end up at the tranquil and relaxing beach destination of Beruwela. Along your way, you will visit temples and historic palaces, as well as spice gardens, farms, arts and craft markets and tea plantations. Also included is a Catamaran trip on the scenic Habarana lake, an elephant back safari, as well as a workshop on making incense sticks. Perhaps also try Ayuverda Therapy and relish Sri Lanken culture, enabling you to fully forget the stresses and worries of your everyday life. What makes this tour even more special, is that the tour encompasses stays at the 4* Cinnamon Lodge, The Cinnamon Citadel, and The Cinnamon Bey hotels, or similar, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable experience. What’s more, our on-the-ground expert guides will greet you off your flight and will always be on hand to give you a rich Sri Lankan experience, ensuring your trip is smooth, intriguing and authentic.
But an enchanting, tropical tour, showcasing culture, history and charm, is not all that this holiday package provides. Head to Dubai for a glamorous finale to your exotic holiday. Stay at the 5* Rixos The Palm. Whilst infamous for its sleek, cutting edge modernity, the hotel is not devoid of Arabian charm. Relax and unwind on a glorious golden beach, or upon the landscaped pool sides, then take a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s 9 restaurants or lounges and enjoy a wide array of live entertainment. Feast one’s eyes with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and the glittering skyline of the Dubai Marina. Take a Complimentary water taxi shuttle to Dubai’s vibrant Marina or take part in excursions. Perhaps visit the Mall of The Emirates Ski Centre, take a desert safari or a Dubai balloon tour and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This Package really does provide a unique adventure, full of novel and intriguing experiences that will always be remembered fondly. Don’t miss out!

Enjoy an intriguing, authentic and beautiful tour of the wonders of Sri Lanka

Stay in luxurious and comfortable hotels

Selected dates between 10-Jul-2017 and 31-Oct-2018; Based on a 12 night stay leaving from Gatwick

Included flights

UK Departure

Departs: london

Arrives: colombo, Sri Lanka

Internal

Departs: colombo, Sri Lanka

Arrives: dubai, United Arab Emirates

Return Flight

Departs: dubai, United Arab Emirates

Arrives: london

Day 2 to 11

Sri Lanka Kaleidoscope Tour and Beach

5 stars

Deluxe Tour - As Per Itinerary

As Per Itinerary

The sacred town of Kandy and the elephant orphanage

Sri Lanka's historic sites in the cultural triangle

After visitng many of the wonderful sights of Sri Lanka, relax by the beach

Sri Lanka was ruled by kings for over two thousand years, a time when Buddhism flourished and became the island's dominant religion. In the beginning of the 16th century parts of Sri Lanka were conquered by the Portuguese and Dutch, before it became a British colony. Sri Lanka eventually gained independent after peaceful negotiations with the British in 1948. The many different rulers and influences have created a rich cultural tapestry - yours to discover on the Sri Lanka Kaleidoscope Tour. You wll visit historic and beautiful cities of Habarana, Polonnaruwa and Sirigiya, the vibrant and exotic city of Kandy, the scenic hills of Nuwara Eliya and end up at the tranquil and relaxing beach destination of Beruwela.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1Arrival and transfer directly to Habarana, the hub of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle.
Located in the north central part of the island, Habarana is a part of Sri Lanka's dry zone. Thanks to the genius of our ancient kings dating as far as the 05th Century AD, the Sri Lankan Dry Zone is anything but dry, with hundreds of lakes and reservoirs which are connected by an elaborate network of canals making up an old but great irrigation system. Aside from the benefit for agriculture and industry, the waterworks of the dry zone provide some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and fertile habitat for the islands incredible bio-diversity.
Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana (Superior Room)
(The Cinnamon Lodge is a 05 star chalet style property set in 50 acre park bordering a lake)

Day 2Set off on a local catamaran after an early breakfast to enjoy the scenic Habarana lake... you will be accompanied by the hotel's naturalist who will be more than willing to provide information on the over 130 bird species and myriad butterflies which inhabit the area.
Later leave for Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals and explore the ruined palace and temple complex. Explore the site on bicycles... the perfect way to get around the sprawling complex. In addition the elaborate architecture and cultural heritage, Polonnaruwa is home to the largest populations of Toque Macaques and Gray Faced Langurs. Watch these interesting primates as they interact with each other and try to engage humans in their day to day activities....!
Continue riding through the village and get a feel for the local lifestyle enjoyed by the people of Polonnaruwa. Finally stop beside a lake for a wonderful Sri Lankan style picnic lunch. Some of the delicacies included will be fried lake fish and over 12 types of vegetables!

Polonnaruwa rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura. Its period of greatness was from the 10th - 12th centuries AD. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, veritable inland seas the most famous of which is the Prakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbor. The monuments of this medieval city are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. See the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving.
The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy Habarana
Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana (Superior Room)

Day 3The morning relax and enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Habarana, walk by the lake, relax by the pool or take some Ayurveda Therapy at the hotels excellent wellness center and spa.
In the afternoon, after the mid-day heat has subsided, visit Sigiriya and climb the rock fortress.
Sigiriya - A mighty 600 ft high rock-fortress of a 5th century King is famous for its entrancingly beautiful frescoes which are found in a sheltered pocket of the rock. One cannot fail to marvel at the masterful execution of the sinuous forms of these women (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today). The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a huge crouching lion, carved from the rock- today only the paws remain. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit.
Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana (Superior Room)

Day 4Leave after breakfast for Kandy. Stop en route in Matale to visit a spice garden to see Sri Lankan spices growing in their natural habitat and also to learn of their usage in local cuisine.
In the afternoon explore Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital and also the center of Sri Lankan arts and craft. Visit the local market and experience the sights, smells, sounds and the 'buzz' of this hill citadel.
Also visit the Temple of the much revered Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha at 6pm in time for the evening 'pooja'. This is an inspiring and moving experience for persons of any faith.

Kandy - a lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and the Royal Botanical gardens - home to one of the world's best collections of Orchids. A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the centre of the islands handicraft industry (items of wood, brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold jewellery and precious gems of many varieties including the world's best blue and star sapphires. The highlight of the city's calendar is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the casket enclosing the Tooth is taken in procession for ten glittering nights in July/August by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and approximately 100 Elephants.
Overnight The Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy (Superior Room)

Day 5Leave after an early breakfast for an excursion to Nuwara Eliya. Located at approximately 6000 feet above sea level, this is Sri Lanka's tea growing region. As you climb higher in to the hills, you will drive past resplendent, tea covered, green hills which look much like a lush green carpet has been rolled out over the mountain scape. Cascading waterfalls only add to the serendipity of the scene.
Visit a tea plantation and factory to witness the process of turning the raw green leaf in to the familiar black/brown finished product.
Enjoy a glimpse of Sri Lanka's colonial past which is still very much a live at the Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya where you will stop for lunch...
Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Sri Lankan hill country. It is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The salubrious climate, misty glens and the decidedly British character make Nuwara Eliya a must on any Sri Lankan travel itinerary.
Return to Kandy
Overnight The Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy (Superior Room)

Day 6Leave after breakfast to Tamarind Gardens for an authentic Sri Lankan village experience. Tamarind Gardens is a domestic farm and a sustainable eco-tourism project. Arrive at the property and be met by the charming couple, Ayesha and Nalin, who own and run the farm. After a cup of tea at their incredible dining room which overlooks the Victoria Reservoir, we embark on a walk through the local village to meet a host of interesting people and get a feel for the local lifestyle. Finally stop at the home of a lady who runs an incense sticks manufacturing cottage industry along with 6 other women from the village. Join her as she takes you through the process of manufacture from the point of melting various resins along with strange scents and finally getting your hands dirty to actually make your own incense sticks which you can take home as an exotic memento of your Sri Lankan adventure.
Return to Tamarind Gardens for a Sri Lankan lunch. You may join Ayesha and Nalin in their open kitchen and assist in the final preparation of lunch.
After lunch and bidding Tamarind Gardens farewell, transfer to your beach hotel in Beruwela.
Overnight The Cinnamon Bey, Beruwela (Superior Room)

Day 7 - 10 At leisure to relax by the pool or at the beach and enjoy Beruwela
Overnight The Cinnamon Bey, Beruwela (Superior Room)

The Holiday Place customer rating

Had a wonderful time. The tour guide was very helpful and informative and looked after us well. We will definitely recommend both the holiday and your company to our relatives and friends. John and Carol.

Rixos the Palm Dubai

5 stars

Deluxe

Bed and Breakfast

Luxurious Accommodation

Ultimate culinary experience

Complimentary Water Taxi

The perfect break for families or couples, combining quality service and luxury accommodations with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Rixos The Palm is the UAE’s only luxury multi-concept resort, situated in the most spectacular of lcoations. Offering a wide selection of entertainment throughout your stay, from musicians and live shows to all nearby daily attractions happening regularly on Palm Jumeirah, Rixos The Palm is one of the best five-star beach properties, treating you to every delight.

Guests are able to explore a whole new world with the complimentary water taxi shuttle to Dubai Marina where you can enjoy the sights of one of Dubai's most vibrant area and only 8 minutes drive to the Aquaventure Waterpark.